Chicken Karahi: A Classic Delight

Chicken karahi is a beloved dish that has a long-standing history in Indian cuisine. With its aromatic spices and rich flavors, this delightful dish has become popular worldwide. Whether you’re a karahi enthusiast or a newcomer to Indian cuisine, this recipe will guide you through creating a mouthwatering chicken karahi that is sure to impress your taste buds.

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History of Chicken Karahi:

Chicken karahi has a rich history that dates back centuries in the Indian subcontinent. It originated in the Indian region and quickly spread to other parts of the world due to the influence of trade routes and colonialism. The dish’s flavors evolved over time as it absorbed various regional spices and cooking techniques. Today, chicken karahi is a staple in many households and a symbol of India’s diverse culinary heritage.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp Desi  ghee (clarified butter) 
  • 2-3 tbsp neutral oil (or more ghee as a substitute)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (approximately 150 g)
  • 8 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 3/4 inch ginger, crushed
  • 1-2 Serrano or Thai green chili peppers, whole
  • 1000 gms(1kg) skinless, bone-in chicken, cut into small pieces
  • 8 small tomatoes (approximately 600 g) 
  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tsp  salt, divided
  • 1/4 cup  yogurt, whisked 
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns, freshly ground (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 2-3 green chili peppers slit in half
  • 1-2 tbsp fresh ginger chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro(lal mirch), chopped
An AI generated image of Chicken Karahi served in a plate garnished with coriander leaves
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  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 6

Recipe – Stove Method:

Follow these instructions to make delicious Chicken Karahi:

Total Time: 1 hour

1. Heat ghee and neutral oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.

In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, ghee and neutral oil are heated over medium heat. This step is commonly used in cooking to prepare the pan for sautéing or frying ingredients, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing sticking.

2. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

After heating the ghee and neutral oil, add finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté the onions until they turn a golden brown color, adding flavor and aroma to the dish being prepared.

3. Stir in crushed garlic, crushed ginger, and whole green chili peppers. Cook for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.

Next, stir in crushed garlic, crushed ginger, and whole green chili peppers into the pan. Cook the mixture for about a minute until the raw aroma dissipates, infusing the dish with rich flavors and reducing the pungent taste of the garlic and ginger.

4. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.

Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook them until they are lightly browned on all sides. This step helps to seal the juices and enhances the taste and texture of the chicken in the final dish.

5. Mix in diced tomatoes, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and 1 tsp salt. Stir well and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the chicken is cooked through.

Mix diced tomatoes, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and 1 tsp salt into the pan with the browned chicken. Stir the ingredients thoroughly and allow them to simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes break down and the chicken is fully cooked, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish.

6. Reduce the heat and add whisked yogurt, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.

Reduce the heat and add whisked yogurt to the pan, while stirring continuously to prevent curdling. This step adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish, enhancing its overall taste and texture.

7. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and garam masala, mixing them into the karahi.

Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and garam masala into the karahi, mixing them thoroughly with the other ingredients. These spices add a final touch of aromatic and warming flavors to the dish, completing the preparation.

8. Add slit green chili peppers and julienned fresh ginger, giving the dish an extra kick of flavor.

Add slit green chili peppers and julienned fresh ginger to the karahi, giving the dish an extra kick of flavor. These additions add spiciness and a refreshing taste, complementing the overall dish.

9. Simmer the karahi for another 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Allow the karahi to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This final step helps the ingredients harmonize, resulting in a well-balanced and deliciously flavorful dish.

10. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Before serving, garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro. This adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color, enhancing the overall presentation and taste of the karahi. Enjoy your flavorful and automatic meal!

Recipe – Oven Method:

Chicken Karahi with coriander leaves
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Oven Method – Chicken Karahi

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C
  2. Heat a mixture of ghee and neutral oil in a large, heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot or casserole dish over medium heat on the stovetop.
  3. Add finely chopped onions to the heated oil and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  4. Stir in crushed garlic, crushed ginger, and whole green chili peppers, and cook for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
  5. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.
  6. Mix in diced tomatoes, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and 1 tsp salt. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
  7. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or foil to seal in the flavors.
  8. Place the covered pot in the preheated oven.
  9. Let the Chicken Karahi cook in the oven for approximately 45 minutes to an hour until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  10. Once the chicken is cooked, take the pot out of the oven.
  11. Add whisked yogurt to the pot, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
  12. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and garam masala, and mix them into the karahi.
  13. Add slit green chili peppers and julienned fresh ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
  14. Simmer the karahi for another 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  15. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Now, you have a delicious Chicken Karahi with tender chicken pieces soaked in aromatic spices and a touch of creamy yogurt, ready to be savored and enjoyed!

Chicken Karahi with Coriander leaves and lemons
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Serving Suggestions:

Chicken karahi is traditionally served with fragrant basmati rice or Indian flatbreads like naan or roti. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or a refreshing cucumber and mint raita to balance out the spiciness

Nutritional Values of Ingredients – Chicken Karahi

IngredientServing SizeCaloriesTotal Fat (g)Saturated Fat (g)Cholesterol (mg)Sodium (mg)Total Carbohydrate (g)Dietary Fiber (g)Sugars (g)Protein (g)
Neutral Oil (per 1 tbsp)3 tbsp360406000000
Chicken (boneless)100g1657.22857400026.4
Tomatoes100g740.20053.91.22.60.9
Total75451.810.49815827.44.810.833.2</

Please note that the nutritional information may vary based on specific products and cooking methods.  It’s recommended to calculate the nutritional value based on the exact brands and quantities of ingredients used in the recipe.

What is Chicken Karahi?

Chicken Karahi is a popular Pakistani and North Indian dish, also known as Chicken Kadai. It is a flavorful and spicy curry made with bone-in or boneless chicken cooked in a traditional wok-like pan called a “karahi” or “kadai.”

What are the key ingredients used in Chicken Karahi?

The main ingredients in Chicken Karahi include chicken (bone-in or boneless), tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, green chilies, and various spices like garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Some recipes may also use yogurt to add richness to the curry.

How is Chicken Karahi traditionally cooked?

Chicken Karahi is traditionally cooked in a karahi, a deep and wide, thick-bottomed cooking vessel made of metal. The chicken and spices are sautéed in oil until well-cooked, and then tomatoes, onions, and other ingredients are added to create a flavorful sauce. The dish is often finished with fresh coriander for added freshness and aroma.

Is Chicken Karahi a spicy dish?

Yes, Chicken Karahi is typically a spicy dish. The level of spiciness can vary depending on individual preferences and the recipe used. Green chilies and red chili powder are the primary sources of heat in this dish.

Can I use boneless chicken for Chicken Karahi?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken for Chicken Karahi. It’s a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer bone-in chicken for added flavor, while others find boneless chicken more convenient to eat.

What can I serve Chicken Karahi with?

Chicken Karahi is commonly served with naan (Indian bread) or rice. It pairs well with plain rice, jeera rice, or even pulao. You can also serve it with roti or paratha.

Can I make Chicken Karahi less spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of Chicken Karahi according to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red chili powder and green chilies in the recipe, or remove the seeds from the chilies before adding them to the curry.

Can I make Chicken Karahi ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Chicken Karahi ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Just reheat it before serving. The flavors tend to meld together and become even more delicious after some time.

Are there any vegetarian alternatives for Chicken Karahi?

Yes, you can make vegetarian alternatives using paneer (Indian cottage cheese), mushrooms, or mixed vegetables. The cooking process remains similar, but you would need to adjust the cooking time for vegetables or paneer.

Is Chicken Karahi a traditional dish?

Yes, Chicken Karahi has a rich history and is considered a traditional dish in Pakistani and North Indian cuisine. It is a beloved dish served at homes and in restaurants throughout the region.

Chicken karahi is a delightful and flavorful dish that has captivated palates around the world. Its roots in Indian cuisine speak to the rich culinary history of the region. Whether cooked on the stove or in the oven, the aroma of the spices and the tenderness of the chicken makes it a truly satisfying meal. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and enjoy this classic Indian delight that brings people together with its taste and history.


Disclosure: Some images in our recipe collection are created using advanced AI technology to enhance visual appeal and creativity. However, rest assured that the recipes themselves are from real individuals who have tested and verified them. Enjoy your culinary experience! Find more on disclosures and disclaimers pages.

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